You’ve just finished the dreaded luteal phase and have finally reached day one of your period. Now you may be feeling less exhausted, less moody, and more ready to climb out from under the covers and head back to the gym. Problem is, you’re not sure if you—or your new period panties—are really ready to handle the squat rack or your favorite spin class.
The Importance of Finding the Right Period Products for Your Workouts
Fortunately, your period doesn’t have to put a cramp in your workout plans. In fact, there are a lot of mental and physical benefits to working out during your period. That said, it’s totally cool to say home and rest if that’s what you feel like your mind and body need. It’s all about you and what you’re feeling up to on any given day of your cycle.
If you do decide to get shredded while shedding your uterine lining, choosing the right period products can be a game-changer. Reusable period products built with active lifestyles in mind can make your flow a whole lot easier to navigate.
The important thing is to choose comfortable products with the right fit and absorbency to protect against leaks. Read on to learn about how period underwear and other Leakproof activewear can help keep you moving all month long.
Why Period Underwear Is Perfect for Active Days
Tampons can work well for workout days, but they can cause chafing or move around if you’re doing a high-intensity workout. Plus, they can create a lot of unnecessary waste. For longer endurance or outdoor events, all disposable period products can be problematic when they don’t last as long as you need.
How do you carry or change tampons or pads when you’re running a marathon or you’re out on an all-day hike in the woods? The answers aren’t pretty: plastic bags full of used period products or filthy porta potties.
Of the two options, pads are extra problematic for two main reasons: some can be less absorbent than other period products, and they can slip out of place. A bunched up pad is a workout killer: it can be super uncomfortable and even lead to chafing or pad rash. It can also be super visible under tight or figure-hugging workout clothes, like shorts or leggings.
Period undies like Leakproof period underwear are designed to be stretchy and form-fitting. They move with your body, and they stay right where they’re supposed to when you exercise, preventing leaks and bunching.
Compared to disposable pads, they’re super comfy—and most styles don’t show even under leggings. No one at the gym, on the trail, or even on the spin bike behind yours ever needs to know you’re on your period.
Absorbency: Will It Hold Up During Your Workout?
One concern people have with period panties is whether they’ll hold as much liquid as pads or tampons. Let’s set the record straight: many Leakproof period panties can absorb up to several pads’ or tampons’ worth of flow.
For example, Super absorbency styles absorb up to about 3-6 super tampons’ worth of blood. They can also be worn for up to 12 hours—all day or all night long—without leaking or needing to be changed.
Leakproof period underwear also stays comfortable throughout that time because layers of technical fabric wick moisture away from your body. Not only do they absorb your period flow; they keep all moisture away from the body.
That means Leakproof period underwear can be an especially great choice for working out, even when you’re not on your period. They can help soak up sweat and discharge (try light absorbency styles) or even protect you against light bladder leaks while you’re exercising.
Meet Leakproof Activewear: Extra Coverage for Total Confidence
If you want all the benefits of period panties with absolutely no chance of visible pantyline, consider Leakproof Activewear. Period leggings and shorts have absorbency literally built right into their linings. With both sweat-wicking and leakproof underwear layers, they’re perfect for all kinds of workouts.
Pursuit Training Leggings and Shorts are made for lighter days, or for use as a backup with an insertable. LeakStrong Leakproof Leggings can be worn on their own on medium flow days — or used on heavy days as a backup.
Meant to be worn commando, Leakproof leggings and shorts offer all the functionality of a period panty, in an even more seamless form. That means you can throw them on and hit the gym without worrying about anything riding up or down.
Common Concerns: Will It Feel Bulky or Cause Chafing?
All Leakproof period underwear, leggings, and shorts are made with breathable, lightweight modal fabrics that prevent bulk for a chafe-free experience. Choose the right fit, and they should fit snugly and stay put no matter the type of workout.
With our shorts, you don’t need to worry about thigh chafing either, as long as you choose the right length and fit. And since shorts and leggings are meant to be worn commando, there’s an extra guarantee of no underwear moving around inside your clothes.
Sized and worn properly, Leakproof period panties and activewear mean you never have to worry about VPL. You won’t see your thong creeping out your waistline or worry about anything riding up your buttcheeks, thighs, or labia.
Tips for Choosing and Caring for Your Workout Period Underwear
Take care in choosing the right size and style, so your period underwear stays secure and comfortable while working out. Follow our size guide (scroll down to Underwear or Knix Active), being sure to check whether to size up, size down, or go with your true fit.
If you need help with your measurements, or choosing the right style, book a virtual appointment with a Product Expert. They can help you figure out which Knix period and activewear products will work best for your body and lifestyle.
Once you’ve got your period-proof workout gear, you’ll want to take care to keep it in tip top shape. After each workout, rinse your Knix in cold water (optional), then machine wash on cold with mild detergent (non-negotiable).
Also, remember that sweat, bacteria, menstrual blood, and urine can create a haven for bacteria and fungi. To avoid an infection, never rewear your used Knix period underwear, shorts, or leggings without washing.
Ready to Ditch Pads and Tampons for Your Next Workout?
Whether you wear them as a backup or for regular period protection, period-proof underwear and activewear can make exercising on your period easier and more comfortable. So comfortable, in fact, that you might wind up wearing them when you don’t have your period at all.
Find your perfect period panties in the underwear section. Or, shop the active and swimwear collection to see our full line of made-for-your-workout products.
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We hope you found this post informative — but remember: we’re not doctors and this post is not medical advice! While all posts are fact-checked and well researched, we always recommend you chat with your doctor about any questions or concerns you might have regarding a medical condition. We’re here to support and educate, but never with the aim of disregarding professional medical advice you’ve been given. Phew, now that that’s out of the way, you can go on living unapologetically free.